Honda Branded Anti Freeze: Necessary ?

Hi,

How necessary in your expert opinions is it to use Honda branded
anti-freeze ?

The 50-50 % Prestone stuff they sell says that it is O.K. for "all and
any" cars.

True ?

Thanks.

 

I'm not sure that there are any true experts here...... ;-)

Even "professional" mechanics will have different answers to this
question, ranging from "it's all the same stuff", to "use anything but
the Honda brand at your peril".

When I am purchasing a used car, I check to see how often the coolant
was changed.
The brand of fluid does not concern me, and I have been using Prestone
and similar brands without issue in all of my motor vehicles for almost
25 years.

Pat

 

if you need proof that coolant quality matters, read this:
http://www.dexcoolsettlement.com/court.php3

further reading:
http://pages.infinit.net/mcrides/engine_tech/engine_coolant.htm

all this said, a quality non-silicate coolant, with a good corrosion
inhibitor package, with de-ionized water, should be safe enough. if you
don't /know/ it's non-silicate, and you don't /know/ it has a good
corrosion inhibitor package, sticking with the manufacturer brand is the
guaranteed safe way to go.

 

That makes sense to me. Thanks for the links and information.

I have always used a major brand over the econo stuff anyway, which is
probably a very good thing.

Pat

 

OEM for me.

 

The smart decision.

 

One problem that may occur: In the highly unlikely problem of a water pump
failure or other cooling system failure your warranty claim for repair may
be declined due to use of non-recommended fluids. I think that may be a
smaller problem considering the damage that may occur if it is not
warranted.
Consider that.
Howard

 

In my anecdotal experience of owning 5 Hondas, your best bet is Honda
fluids. Motor oil might be the exception.